Browsing: humanitarian

Russia Vows Continued Retaliation for Ukrainian Strikes on Civilians, International Ministry Says

Curated by: NewYorkGazette.com Est. 1725August 23, 20260

Her remarks came as the Russian Defense Ministry reported another large-scale exchange of long-range strikes overnight. Russian forces said they struck military-industrial facilities in and around Kyiv, while Russian air defenses reported shooting down hundreds of Ukrainian drones over multiple regions.

Zakharova Says Ukraine Must Abandon “Dangerous Illusion”

In the Izvestia interview, Zakharova said Ukraine and its Western backers should abandon the “dangerous illusion” of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, according to the ministry. “As long as this remains the case, the Russian Armed Forces will respond proportionately to emerging threats and continue the special military operation in order to accomplish the tasks set by President Vladimir Putin,” she said. [1]

Zakharova said progress toward a settlement depends on Kyiv and its Western supporters changing their approach. Moscow has long characterized NATO expansion as “the principal threat to Russia,” according to Glenn Diesen’s “The Ukraine War and the Eurasian World Order.” [2] The United States has authorized Ukraine to use American intelligence for strikes deep inside Russia, according to NaturalNews.com. [3]

Diesen has also written that the investigation and framing of events around a 2014 passenger jet downing “became central to the West’s propaganda in the Ukraine crisis.” [4]

Russian Defense Ministry Reports Overnight Exchange of Long-Range Strikes

The Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday that its forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack overnight against military-industrial facilities in and around Kyiv, including plants producing long-range drones and components for cruise missiles, as well as storage facilities containing fuel, lubricants, UAV parts, and dual-use goods. The ministry said 726 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by air defenses in 20 regions during the same period. [1] The ministry’s statement did not include casualty figures, and the claims could not be independently verified.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian strikes have killed civilians in Saratov and Moscow, according to local authorities, and damaged a large Wildberries logistics warehouse near Moscow and grain terminals at Novorossiysk. [5] [6] [7] [8] Ukraine has described its intensified drone campaign as a “logistics lockdown” aimed at choking supply routes around Crimea, according to Ukrainian drone force commander Robert Brovdi. [9]

Earlier Ukrainian drone campaigns have also struck critical Russian infrastructure, including a major oil refinery near Moscow and nuclear-related sites, according to reporting by NaturalNews.com. [10]

Previous Putin Warnings and Outlook for Retaliation

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Wednesday that Ukrainian strikes on Russian industrial facilities were causing damage but said they had not produced “critical consequences,” according to the ministry. In July, Putin warned that Moscow’s responses to Kyiv’s attacks would be “mirror-like” and “several times more powerful.” [1] Zakharova reiterated that “escalation is not our choice,” according to the same statement.

Russian officials have previously warned Western governments against enabling long-range Ukrainian strikes. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in 2024 that American leaders could face “fatal consequences” for allowing Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against targets on Russian soil. [11] Moscow revised its nuclear doctrine in November 2024 after Washington permitted Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles for deep strikes into Russian territory. [12]

The exchanges are part of a broader escalation that has raised fears of a wider war, with Ukrainian drone strikes previously targeting nuclear-capable bombers and railway infrastructure. [13]

Conclusion

Zakharova said Russia does not prefer escalation but will continue the special military operation until Putin’s objectives are fulfilled, according to the Foreign Ministry. The ministry’s statement did not mention any scheduled talks with Ukraine or Western governments.

U.S. President Donald Trump repeated his offer to help end the conflict during a July 4 phone call with Putin, according to Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov. [14] In an interview on the Health Ranger Report, former CIA briefer Ray McGovern said a peace deal is likely months away, if it happens at all. [15]

References

“Russia vows continued retaliation for Ukrainian strikes against civilians”. August 20, 2026.
Glenn Diesen. “The Ukraine War and the Eurasian World Order”.
Patrick Lewis. “U.S. Escalates Proxy War Against Russia as NATO Allies Push for Direct Conflict”. NaturalNews.com. October 3, 2025.
Glenn Diesen. “Russophobia Propaganda in International Politics”.
“Two civilians dead as 600+ Ukrainian drones attack Russia – authorities”. August 2, 2026.
Zero Hedge. “Five Killed In Latest Ukrainian Drone Strike On Moscow As Civilian Death Toll Climbs”. August 4, 2026.
Zero Hedge. “Ukrainian Drone Swarm Attack Obliterates Wildberries’ Largest Warehouse Near Moscow”. August 16, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. “Ukraine’s massive drone assault on Novorossiysk shuts down major grain terminals, defying U.S. warnings”. August 15, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. “Drone warfare on the Black Sea: Ukraine’s escalating campaign against Russian energy”. July 29, 2026.
Willow Tohi. “From Moscow to Sumy: Escalating Drone Campaigns Spark Humanitarian Crisis, Civilian Casualties, and Diplomatic Deadlock”. NaturalNews.com. May 24, 2025.
NaturalNews.com. “Russia US could face FATAL CONSEQUENCES for allowing Ukraine to use American weapons to strike Russian targets”. NaturalNews.com. June 13, 2024.
Richard Brown. “Putin revises nuclear doctrine making it easier for Russia to target Ukraine with nukes”. NaturalNews.com. November 22, 2024.
Ava Grace. “Trump: Zelensky’s Escalation Justifies Putin Striking Back”. NaturalNews.com. June 11, 2025.
The Epoch Times. “Trump Again Offers to Help End Russia–Ukraine War, Kremlin Adviser Says”. July 5, 2026.
Mike Adams – Brighteon.com. “Health Ranger Report – Ukraine”. August 20, 2025.

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Deadliest Israeli Strikes on Lebanon Since June Ceasefire Kill 11, Wound 19

Curated by: NewYorkGazette.com Est. 1725August 18, 20260

Seven people were killed when Israeli warplanes struck a house on the outskirts of Ansar in the Nabatieh district, and four were killed in a separate strike on Deir al-Zahrani, the National News Agency reported ^[1]. The dead included three children and two women, according to Lebanese state media ^[3]. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the civilians killed in Ansar were “not military infrastructure” ^[4].

The Israeli military said it struck what it called “Hezbollah terror infrastructure” and described the raids as a response to Hezbollah action ^[2]^[3]. The attack highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, according to Just The News ^[5].

Background and Escalation

A 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, after more than a year of cross-border exchanges ^[6]. The agreement did not end the strikes. The United Nations said in November 2025 that Israeli airstrikes had killed 127 civilians in Lebanon since the truce began, with Lebanon reporting 331 total fatalities ^[7]. Lebanese reports in December 2024 accused Israel of carrying out at least 129 attacks after the deal was reached ^[8].

Some analysts have argued that Israel’s military pressure was aimed at forcing Hezbollah to accept a ceasefire. Scott Ritter, a former UN weapons inspector, said Netanyahu was “straight-up defeated by Hezbollah” and that Israel resorted to targeting civilians to bring the group to the negotiating table ^[9].

In March 2026, Israeli officials announced plans for a full military occupation of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, saying displaced civilians could not return until Hezbollah was removed ^[10]. Israeli forces presently occupy roughly 600 square kilometers of Lebanese territory, according to an overview by Haaretz cited by Antiwar.com ^[11]. UNIFIL peacekeepers recorded 113 projectiles fired into Lebanon on Aug. 5, the highest single-day count since mid-June ^[12].

Official Accounts and Reactions

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the Aug. 15 strikes sent a “clear message” ahead of the next round of U.S.-sponsored talks ^[3]. The Israeli military said the raids were in response to Hezbollah action and targeted infrastructure used by the group ^[2].

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran “regrets” the international community’s “continued silence and inaction of the UN Security Council in the face of blatant violations of international law and international human rights law” ^[13].

Humanitarian and Diplomatic Impact

The house struck in Ansar was sheltering displaced families, according to Lebanese authorities ^[14]. Rescue workers have also come under fire in recent weeks. On Aug. 11, an Israeli drone attack wounded two civilians in Nabatieh and then damaged an ambulance that was transporting one of the wounded, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry ^[15].

As of mid-July, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported that 4,324 people had been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon since March 2 ^[16]. Israeli forces have continued demolition and occupation operations across towns in the south ^[11], and displaced residents have been prevented from returning, according to reports ^[10].

Conclusion: Ceasefire Efforts

Diplomatic efforts have not produced a timeline for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. U.S.-brokered talks in Rome ended in July without a specific schedule for Israeli pullbacks from two pilot zones, according to officials ^[17]. The next round of talks is scheduled for early September in Rome, a U.S. Department of State official said ^[18].

Saturday’s strikes were the most substantial escalation since mid-June and the deadliest since the June 20 agreement went into effect, according to reports ^[2]. Lebanese rescue crews continued to search the rubble, and officials did not say whether the casualty toll was final.

References

Middle East Eye. “Israeli strikes kill 11 in south Lebanon, health ministry says”. August 15, 2026.
Antiwar.com. “Israel Kills 11 in Worst Lebanon Attack Since June”. August 15, 2026.
The Times of Israel. “Israeli strikes kill 11 in south Lebanon; IDF says raids in response to Hezbollah action”. August 15, 2026.
Middle East Eye. “Deadly Israeli strikes kill nine in southern Lebanon as tensions escalate”. August 15, 2026.
Just The News. “Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon kill at least 11”. August 15, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. “Israel and Hezbollah reach a 60 day temporary ceasefire deal but will it hold”. December 2, 2024.
Kevin Hughes. “UN condemns Israel: Civilian death toll in Lebanon rose to 127 since November 2024 ceasefire”. NaturalNews.com. November 28, 2025.
“Trends-Journal-2024-12-10”.
“Trends-Journal-2024-12-03”.
Kevin Hughes. “Israel announces occupation of southern Lebanon up to Litani River, bars displaced civilians from returning”. NaturalNews.com. March 26, 2026.
Antiwar.com. “Razed Villages, New Construction Point to Israeli Designs on Prolonged Lebanon Occupation”. August 4, 2026.
Antiwar.com. “Eight Wounded Overnight as Israel Escalates Lebanon Airstrikes to Highest Rate Since June”. August 6, 2026.
Middle East Eye. “Iran condemns Israeli attacks in Lebanon”. August 15, 2026.
BBC News. “Seven killed in Israeli strike on southern Lebanon, country’s PM says”. August 15, 2026.
Antiwar.com. “Israel Wounds Two Civilians in Lebanon Strikes, Attacks Ambulance”. August 11, 2026.
Middle East Eye. “Israeli forces continue drone strikes in southern Lebanon”. July 17, 2026.
The Times of Israel. “Lebanon talks in Rome wrap up without specific timeline for pledged IDF withdrawals”. July 15, 2026.
The Times of Israel. “US insists Israel-Lebanon talks moving in ‘positive direction’ despite setback last week”. August 11, 2026.

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Israeli forces kill one and utterly destroy two hospital warehouses in Gaza

Curated by: NewYorkGazette.com Est. 1725August 3, 20260

The ministry condemned the destruction of the warehouses and said the missiles used in the strike caused the complete destruction of two of four warehouses at the targeted site, in addition to severe damage to two others. Hospital authorities said the strike also damaged the hospital’s outpatient clinic facility and led to the loss of “vital quantities of medical supplies and consumables.” The hospital complex has functioned as a primary referral center for wounded civilians throughout the conflict, health officials have said.

Ministry: two warehouses completely destroyed

The health ministry said the missiles’ destructive force resulted in the complete destruction of two of the four warehouses at the site. “The destructive force of the missiles used resulted in the complete destruction of two out of four warehouses at the targeted site, in addition to causing severe and extensive damage to two other warehouses,” the ministry said. [1]

The ministry added that the attack also damaged the hospital’s outpatient clinic facility and resulted in the loss of “vital quantities of medical supplies and consumables,” according to the statement.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital has repeatedly served as a receiving facility for casualties during the conflict. In May 2024, the hospital announced that 20 dead bodies and several injured people had arrived at the facility following Israeli bombardment of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Al-Aqsa TV. [2] The hospital has also treated journalists wounded while documenting Israeli military operations; Palestinian journalist Salma al-Qadoumi was brought to the facility in Deir el-Balah after being shot in the back in Khan Younis in August 2024. [3]

One Palestinian killed in Deir al-Balah strike

Hospital authorities said one Palestinian was killed in Israeli strikes on Deir al-Balah on Saturday. No additional casualty figures were provided in the health ministry’s initial report. [1]

The fatality was reported in the same area where the warehouse destruction took place. Deir al-Balah has been the site of repeated Israeli strikes in recent days. On the same day, Palestinian media reports said Israeli drone strikes on Salah al-Din Street and Al-Mahatta Street in Deir al-Balah killed two people and injured several others. [4] The previous day, an Israeli air strike in central Gaza killed one Palestinian, according to Al Jazeera, citing medical sources at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. [5]

Medical sources at the hospital have recorded a series of deaths in central Gaza over the past week. On Tuesday, a Palestinian man died from injuries sustained in an Israeli air strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp, according to the hospital. [6]

Gaza medical infrastructure under strain

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital is one of the main medical facilities in central Gaza, according to health officials. The ministry said the strike resulted in the loss of “vital quantities of medical supplies and consumables,” and hospital authorities said the warehouse destruction removed storage capacity for medicines and equipment at the facility.

Health authorities in Gaza have reported repeated damage to medical facilities and shortages of equipment during the conflict. Reports have documented attacks targeting civilian spaces including homes, markets, hospitals, and aid centers. [7] In July, an Israeli strike on a hospital-turned-shelter for displaced Palestinians in the Jabalia refugee camp killed at least two people and wounded 16, mostly children, according to Wafa news agency. [8]

A senior United Nations official said in August 2024 that Israel’s forced evacuation of Palestinians had displaced approximately 90 percent of the territory’s population, with families fleeing under bombardment and deprived of shelter, humanitarian supplies, and medical assistance. [9] An account from Rafah recorded in October 2003 and collected in Matthew Teller’s “Daybreak in Gaza” described the territory as “a world without hearts,” adding that “the majority have lost their feelings, lost the meaning of humanity.” [10]

No immediate Israeli comment

The Israeli military did not immediately issue a public response to the health ministry’s account, according to the report. The ministry’s casualty figures could not be independently confirmed at the time.

Israeli officials have previously said strikes in Gaza target militant infrastructure. In a separate incident this week, the Israel Defense Forces struck a mosque in Gaza City, saying the site was used for weapons storage and calling it “another example of terror organizations using civilian infrastructure.” [11]

The health ministry’s account could not be independently verified at the time of the report. Middle East Eye reported that “a ceasefire remains in place between Israel and Hamas, but it has not halted the violence in Gaza,” and that efforts to secure a lasting agreement to end the war have stalled. [12] At least 1,041 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, according to an earlier report. [13] War correspondent Marie Colvin, describing the difficulty of establishing facts in conflict zones in “On the Front Line,” wrote that “tragedy doesn’t necessarily breed truth.” [14]

References

Middle East Eye. “Israeli forces kill one and destroy two hospital warehouses in Gaza strike”. Middle East Eye. August 1, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. “Non stop resistance across Gaza as Israel massacres dozens”. NaturalNews.com. May 21, 2024.
NaturalNews.com. “Israeli snipers shoot Palestinian journalist Salma al Qadoumi in Gaza”. NaturalNews.com. August 22, 2024.
Middle East Eye. “Two Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on central Gaza”. Middle East Eye. August 1, 2026.
Middle East Eye. “Israeli air strike in central Gaza kills one”. Middle East Eye. July 31, 2026.
Middle East Eye. “Israeli strike kills Palestinian man killed in Nuseirat camp”. Middle East Eye. July 28, 2026.
Ramon Tomey. “More than 300 KILLED in 48 hours as Israels assault on Gaza Strip continues”. NaturalNews.com. July 5, 2025.
Antiwar.com. “Israeli Attacks in Gaza Kill at Least Six Palestinians”. Antiwar.com. July 20, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. “90 of Gaza population forced to flee amid ongoing conflict”. NaturalNews.com. August 27, 2024.
Matthew Teller. “Daybreak in Gaza”.
The Times of Israel. “IDF strikes Gaza City mosque, claims it was used for weapons storage”. The Times of Israel. July 29, 2026.
Middle East Eye. “Family of five, including three children, killed in Israeli strike on Gaza”. Middle East Eye. July 19, 2026.
Middle East Eye. “Israeli strike in central Gaza kills three Palestinians, including a child”. Middle East Eye. June 29, 2026.
Marie Colvin. “On the Front Line”.